My father hasn’t passed much down to me in terms of child rearing.

But this past week reminded me of one lesson in particular.

We were once at a restaurant and there was a child acting up.

Running about, taking other people’s silverware, screaming each and every want and need.

Bless the parents, they tried everything…gently cooing, various toys, crayons, less gentle cooing.

 

My father and I talked about the child I was, the parent he was and the parents he had.

“In Dutch we have a saying,” he said, “If you didn’t bring it with you, you won’t find it here.”

It was too late to teach this child restaurant manners in the restaurant.  The child needed the knowledge before the outing began.

 

I thought about that during The Princeton Forum on Youth Ministries.

 

I was nervous about going.

Yes, I’m a veteran youth worker.

Yes, I love what I do and feel I have a heart for it.

 

I’m always a bit mindful before a conference.

My heart leads kids instinctually; it’s nice to be with others with the same heart and hear from professionals who’ve walked the walk.

But now I was nervous – this was PRINCETON.

Heart and Brain are two different things.

Too different things?

 

I prayed alot in the days leading up to my trip. Then I just went.

It was much more academic than I’m used to.  I think I hung pretty well, and where I felt out of my league I just sat and listened…and learned.
I took a three day extended seminar on the systems and became more confident in the kind of leader I am. I found that I’m consistently collaborative and compromising. That’s a good thing…except when it’s not.
I took a workshop on managing time and leaders. Delegating, relegating and creating on schedule.  I’m pretty squared away there actually….plan BIG and work back in small steps…love that.
I learned how young adult literature can influence youth ministry without using Twilight. I found I was happy I used it anyway. I tended to my soul (I highly recommend it), in a way that made me hear God differently and more clearly than ever before. I was privileged to hear something I had missed before. God is good like that.  I got to hear people say insanely eloquent things about the condition of their soul that made me shiver inside. 
I loved that too.
I spoke with incredibly brilliant people who love kids and those who lead them. We talked about churches and how grow them the way God intends - with His will and vision at the forefront. There was very little ego or power struggle. I was able to see glimpses of the Me yet to come. The temptation is to go home and turn my workplaces into revolution fields. Change, grow and look for God everywhere. I know He’s there. But I also know now that things have to happen in His time.  He has the plan.
I never should have feared. 

I love what I do and have a heart for it. 

My heart leads kids instinctually, but I hunger for knowledge and thirst for truth.                               

It’s the same way I follow Christ.
I didn’t have to worry about hanging at Princeton.
I followed my heart and therefore my God was pleased.
I brought Him with me and He found me there.